Coolcations discovery guide
These trips flip the script of the typical summer holiday: Instead of blazing beaches and sun-baked cities, expect cool climes—and even cooler moments. Follow your Tour Director along Ireland’s misty cliffs, across Iceland’s mammoth glaciers, or into Norway’s towering fjords, and see why Coolcations have never been hotter.

What makes a Coolcation?
Cooler temperatures
It’s like the name says: You might be traveling in the summer, but you won’t feel the heat like you would in other, warmer locales.
Greater savings
No beach? No problem. While coastal hotspots spike their prices in response to demand, these destinations stay relatively affordable.
Smaller crowds
With fewer visitors around, you’ll experience more—of the villages you’ll roam, of the sights you’ll see, of the moments that make travel special.
Our favorite Coolcations
For a taste of a typical Coolcation, we recommend swapping the Mediterranean for the North Atlantic. This European trio fits the bill: From grazing Highland cows to stunning Scandinavian architecture, you’ll relish the region’s icons—and with rays that warm instead of scorch, you’ll revel in the weather, too.
A breath of fresh air
The sparkling surface of Lake Louise. The misty churn of Iceland’s Gullfoss waterfall. The snow-crusted heights of Denali. Bask in the natural wonders of Canada, Iceland, and more on these Coolcations. (With pleasant weather and plenty of sunshine, you won’t want to go inside.)
)
Canadian Rockies
Rumble from Banff to Vancouver aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train.
Explore the 9-day itinerary
Wild Iceland
Steaming lagoons, stark glaciers, and more otherworldly vistas await.
Explore the 8-day itinerary
Alaskan Parks
Drink in the chill—and the landscapes—of Denali and the Kenai Fjords.
Explore the 10-day itinerary)
The Maritimes
Trace the charming coasts of three Canadian provinces.
Explore the 9-day itinerarySignature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...
)
Smile at timeless Irish landscapes
Sandwich a traditional pub lunch with visits to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Try it on the A Week in Ireland: Dublin to Belfast tour.

Drift past Canada’s finest alpine scenery
Ride a raft down the Bow River and marvel at Banff’s beauty. Try it on our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour.
)
Take a bite out of the Norwegian summer
Walk through Oslo and get to know the city by way of its cuisine. Try it on our Fjords of Norway: Bergen, Geirangerfjord & Alesund itinerary.

Snap photos of Iceland in miniature
Spend a day on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a “greatest hits” compilation of the country’s sights. Try it on our Landscapes of Wild Iceland tour.
Experiential travel made easy
You dream it. We’ll take care of every last detail.
Pick your perfect trip
We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.
Put just $99 down
That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one
of our group tours when you sign up for
AutoPay. Plus, you can pay in interest-free,
monthly installments.
Prep your packing list
While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.
Go far (and get rewarded)
Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.
What travelers are saying about our Coolcations
5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler Ashley
Tour guide was great, he made things so fun and gave more insight into the trip and places since he was from the area. I loved this trip and wish I could have made it longer. I...
Traveled in Aug 2024 on A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway
5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler Debra
This is a wonderful introduction to Ireland! Hazel is a knowledgeable, caring, and fun tour director, and Sean is a personable and exceptional driver. We were blessed with...
Traveled in Jun 2024 on Grand Tour of Ireland
5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler Anonymous
This trip was beyond my expectations. We saw so many incredibly beautiful landscapes and vistas in Scotland and Ireland as well as experiencing some fantastic cities. Loads of...
Traveled in Aug 2024 on Landscapes of Scotland & Ireland
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Kevin
From the moment I flew out of Texas I knew I was going to enjoy something amazing. Everyone from the beginning setting up the tour, to the checking out in Dublin to fly home were...
Traveled in Aug 2024 on A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway
5 out of 5 stars
3rd-time traveler Kathy
We really liked our Grand Tour of Ireland. There were some lows: we wish that the hotels had been closer to the areas we were site seeing! Dublin was not too bad to navigate by...
Traveled in Aug 2024 on Grand Tour of Ireland
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler John
Ruth is the best tour guide ever!!
Traveled in Aug 2024 on Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords
5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler Anonymous
Although it was a little disappointing that we didn’t get to see the northern lights and the weather could have been better , it was a great trip . Tour director Eira was...
Traveled in Aug 2024 on Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Anonymous
We had the most wonderful time in Ireland, this was possible thanks to our incredible Tour Director, Cornelius, and our amazing bus driver Andre. Thanks for having us EF Go Ahead...
Traveled in Aug 2024 on A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway
Keep cool—there’s more where that came from
Craving more out-of-the-box itineraries? Freshen up your travel plans with these tours to cooler climes.
Travel tips for Coolcations
Since these itineraries visit chillier destinations, you’ll want to pack light, layerable clothes; a sweater or jacket for the evenings; and maybe a warm hat or two. And don’t forget a dressy outfit! It’ll come in handy if you and your tour mates decide to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a performance.
For more specific recommendations, check out the FAQs for your specific trip.
Of course! As with any of our more than 200 tours, you can travel solo on these Coolcations and rest easy knowing we’ve planned everything—from activities to accommodations—for you.